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Posted on: February 13, 2017

Economic Development Overview

Maintaining an economically viable and sustainable community is a primary focus for Mayor David A. Gonzalez. Most recently, the creation of the nonprofit Chicago Heights Development Corporation continues the drive to encourage a strong local economy. The CHDC shares a common goal with the City of Chicago Heights: provide residents with the opportunity to share in the growth of the city and enjoy the benefits of a thriving local economy.

Jack Hynes, Economic Development Consultant for the City of Chicago Heights, iscollaborating with the CHDC to cultivate economic sustainability byretaining and attracting the investments that will help develop andrevitalize commercial and residential neighborhoods. In recent months,residents of Chicago Heights have seen an increase in both job opportunitiesand retail options. At the major commercial corridors near both the northentrance and west entrance to the city, new businesses have opened (or are inthe process of opening) that will diversify the tax base and strengthen theCity’s economy.

In the past year and a half, over $80 million in commercial rehabilitation,expansion, purchases, and construction projects have begun in the City. Whenc ombined with the industrial expansions, purchases and construction projects,well over $100 million has come into the City of Chicago Heights. In turn, over 100 full time and part time jobs have been created in the commercial and industrial areas.

Halsted Street Corridor

In the past 6 months, travelers utilizing the north Halsted Street entrance to the city have noticed a number of changes. Economic vacancy has been replaced with businesses that have created jobs, growth, and economic opportunity.

Dunkin Donuts—open for business at 120 N. Halsted Street

Previously tax delinquent property is now a fully functional business

$1.2 million newly constructed building

12 jobs created (both full and part time)

Taco Bell—open for business at the corner of Vollmer Road & Halsted Street

$4.2 million newly constructed building

18 jobs created (both full and part time)

Furniture Depot—under construction at 375 N. Halsted Street

$2.8 million purchase and rehabilitation

New Furniture Depot coming soon

Lincoln Highway and Western Avenue Corridor

The corridor that merges with the city limits at the western border is under it’s own rehabilitation process. Since the completion of the super Walmart just west of the city limits, new development has begun on the east side of Western Avenue.

Approximately $10 million newly constructed development

10,000 square foot strip center

This project will eventually house 3 new fast food restaurants

Lincoln Highway/Route 30 Corridor

The major retailers and attractions along Lincoln Highway have also undergone rehabilitation and expansion during the past year.

Ultra Foods--$4.2 million rehabilitation and expansion

Aldi--$4 million rehabilitation and expansion

Marcus Chicago Heights Cinema--$10 million rehabilitation

Chicago Road Corridor

Fresnius Medical Care purchased a long standing city-owned property and is currently constructing a new dialysis center on Chicago Road. A once empty lot with a $0 tax increment is being transformed into a state-of-the-art medical facility that will meet the needs of patients and also put the property back on the City's tax roll. The $5.5 million dollar construction is underway and the center should be up and running within the year.